What he does: Florida native Aaron Pargman is a physical therapist at Scholar Rehab and Massage in Richmond Hill. Pargman is in a field that the American Physical Therapy Association describes as "health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives." He works one-on-one with patients using traditional physical therapy techniques such as exercise and soft tissue work, as well as a technique called electrical therapeutic point stimulation. Pargman describes ETPS as "a non-invasive therapy similar to acupuncture without the use of needles."

How he became interested in the job: While working as a graduate student, Pargman took an anatomy class, where guest lecturers such as surgeons and physicians spoke about the clinical component of the science. That "really grabbed me," Pargman said. "I wanted to be in a health field where you can make a difference and make people better. I also wanted there to be an exercise component. So, it doesn't have to be purely exercise, like a personal trainer or exercise specialist. I like it because combined with what I really loved, like what you learn in the classroom, but I'm also applying what I've learned to people. Physical therapy is like an art and a science."

Education: Pargman received his undergraduate degree in health science education from the University of Florida; a master's degree in exercise and sports science from the University of Florida; and both a master's and a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine.

Skills needed: Pargman thinks that "good interpersonal and listening skills" are required to become adept at physical therapy.

Drawbacks of the job: The work can be challenging to the therapist's hands and body, but "they teach you in your training to use good body mechanics so it's not that hard on your body."

Perks of the job: "Perks are that you get to see changes quickly in patients. ... You don't have to wonder if your treatment is working," Pargman said. "It's the combination of objective and subjective improvements, I can feel and see that shoulder is better, along with hearing the patient say he feels better and can pick up his grandchild, as an example."

Advice: While studying for an undergraduate degree, most schools will require students to observe a licensed physical therapist for a number of hours. Pargman advises, "(Students) should observe as many different types as possible because they may see only one aspect of physical therapy, then go to physical therapy school and see how many different types there are and say, 'This is not for me.'"